News: Corps defers shoreline activity request at Greers Ferry Lake

A boat dock is seen along Greers Ferry Lake in Heber Springs, Ark., Feb. 22, 2013. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates the Greers Ferry Dam, will stop accepting requests for shoreline use permits from May 15, 2013 through Oct. 1, 2013 due to budget cuts. (U.S. Army courtesy photo/Released)

HEBER SPRINGS, Ark. - To provide the best value to the largest number of people possible during these austere economic times, the Army Corps of Engineers’ Greers Ferry Project Office will stop accepting requests for shoreline use permits beginning May 15 through Oct. 1.

This includes applications for new or changes to private boat docks, permits for mowing on government land, and permits for meandering paths across public land to the water’s edge. The corps will continue to manage existing permits, and permit holders are reminded that the terms and conditions of their permits will still be enforced.

As was the case in 2012, deferring new shoreline use permits is one of several steps the corps’ Little Rock District taking at Greers Ferry Lake and across the district to reduce spending yet continue to provide quality benefits to taxpayers. With the very real potential of a reduction of manpower available this summer, officials are refocusing manpower from processing shoreline use permits to helping fulfill ranger duties in the parks.

Persons with questions regarding shoreline or recreation activities on Greers Ferry Lake should call the Greers Ferry Project Office at 501-362-2416, or stop by the office located near the dam on Highway 25, three miles north of Heber Springs.

Recreation information can be found on the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/littlerockusace, and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/usacelittlerock.